What is a cashflow loan and when does it help?

A cashflow loan is short-term working capital designed to keep a business running smoothly while you wait for incoming cash. Unlike long-term term loans or commercial mortgages, cashflow finance focuses on bridging temporary gaps so you can pay staff, suppliers, rent or take advantage of opportunities.

Typical situations where cashflow loans help:

• Slow-paying customers or long invoice terms
• Seasonal sales dips (e.g. hospitality in winter)
• Rapid growth where costs precede revenue
• One-off delays in payments or unexpected expenses

If you want to check options quickly, Free Eligibility Check.

Key benefits of cashflow finance

Here’s why cashflow finance can be the right tool for many limited companies:

• Speed: some providers can arrange funding within 24–72 hours after approval.
• Flexibility: facilities can be sized to short-term needs and repaid as invoices are collected.
• Unsecured options: where available, avoid using property as security (subject to lender approval).
• Predictable repayments: fixed-term or fixed-fee facilities help with cash forecasting.

Want tailored options? Get Quote Now.

Common cashflow loan structures we can introduce

Revolving credit facilities

A flexible line you draw from as needed and repay as cash returns. Ideal for businesses with cyclical needs. Typical limits depend on turnover and lender appetite.

Short-term unsecured loans

Fixed-term loans that don’t require business assets as security; quicker to arrange but rates vary with risk profile. Good for predictable, short-term gaps.

Merchant cash advances

Repayments are taken as a percentage of card takings. Suitable for retail and hospitality businesses with consistent card sales, but can be costly if sales drop.

Invoice finance / selective invoice discounting

Borrow against unpaid invoices to unlock cash immediately. Great for businesses with large B2B invoices waiting to be paid.

Note: exact terms, fees and availability depend on the lender’s assessment. For tailored comparisons, Get Started – Free Eligibility Check.

Eligibility checklist: are cashflow loans right for you?

Use this quick checklist to gauge likely eligibility. These are general indicators — each lender has its own criteria.

• Trading history: many lenders prefer businesses trading for 12+ months, though some specialists consider younger companies with strong evidence of revenue.
• Turnover: lenders look at annual or monthly turnover to size facilities.
• Bank statements: 3–6 months of statements are commonly requested.
• Profitability / cashflow: management accounts or projections help.
• Credit profile: both business and director credit histories may be reviewed.
• Security & guarantees: some facilities may require a director guarantee or security depending on risk.

Nice-to-have items (speed up approval): up-to-date invoices, debtor aging schedule and three months’ management accounts. Share your details and we’ll match you with lenders who suit your profile: Share your details – we’ll make the introductions.

How Fast Business Loans matches you with the right partner

Our purpose is to save you time and increase the chance of a suitable offer. Here’s how the process works:

Step 1 – Submit a quick enquiry

Complete a short form (usually under 2 minutes). We only ask for what lenders need to begin the matching process.

Step 2 – Intelligent lender matching

We use your business details to introduce you to lenders or brokers who specialise in your sector and loan size — this increases the chance of a relevant quote quickly.

Step 3 – Speak to finance experts

Selected partners contact you to confirm details, request documents and outline options. You can choose who to progress with.

Step 4 – Compare offers and decide

Compare interest rates, fees, term lengths and repayment structures before accepting an offer. There’s no obligation to proceed with any introduction.

Ready to start? Get Quote Now — enquiries do not affect your credit score.

Industries we commonly support

Our panel has experience across many UK sectors. Commonly supported industries include:

• Construction & trades
• Hospitality, pubs, restaurants
• Retail & e-commerce
• Manufacturing & engineering
• Healthcare & clinics
• Agriculture & farming
• Logistics & transport

If you operate in one of these sectors, we’ll connect you with lenders who understand your sector’s cashflow cycles. Need industry-specific support? Get Started.

What information will lenders ask for?

Having documents ready speeds up assessments. Typical items requested include:

• Business bank statements (usually last 3–6 months)
• Company accounts or management accounts
• Sales ledger / debtor list (for invoice finance)
• ID and proof of address for directors
• Details of existing borrowing
• Cashflow forecasts or P&L where available

Pro tip: upload digital copies so partners can complete underwriting faster and possibly deliver funds sooner.

Cost considerations and risk notes

Cashflow facilities can be highly effective — but it’s important to understand costs and risks:

• Interest & fees: annual percentage rates and arrangement fees vary widely; ask for an all-in cost figure.
• Early repayment: some lenders apply early repayment charges.
• Personal guarantees: certain facilities may require director guarantees — understand the implications.
• Variable repayments: merchant cash advances link repayments to sales and can increase payment amounts if revenue falls.

Fast Business Loans introduces you to providers; we do not give financial advice. Consider independent professional advice if you’re unsure. To compare realistic costings, Free Eligibility Check.

Alternative finance options worth comparing

Don’t limit yourself — compare cashflow loans to other options:

• Invoice factoring or discounting (unlock invoice value)
• Asset finance (fund equipment with the asset as security)
• Business overdraft extensions
• Term loans for longer-term capital needs
• Refinance or consolidation of existing debt

We can line up multiple options so you get a fair comparison — Let us line up tailored cashflow solutions.

Real-world example: cashflow loan in action

Case (anonymised): A London hospitality group faced a quieter winter season and delayed supplier payments. Through our partner network they secured a short-term invoice finance facility that released 85% of outstanding invoices. Result: payroll and supplier payments were met, the business avoided disruption and repaid the facility within three months when seasonal sales recovered.

“Fast Business Loans helped us find a lender who understood hospitality seasonality — funding arrived quickly and saved the business time and stress.” — Operations Director (anonymised)

Why UK businesses trust Fast Business Loans

We help you save time and increase the chance of a relevant offer by:

• Matching you to lenders and brokers experienced in your sector
• Keeping the enquiry short and focused — it takes less than two minutes
• Ensuring introductions are relevant so lenders contact you promptly
• Keeping the service free for businesses — there’s no obligation to proceed

Start now — Get Quote Now.

Ready to explore cashflow finance?

If you need working capital from £10,000 upwards, we’ll match you with lenders or brokers who can help. The simple enquiry takes moments and there’s no obligation to proceed once matched.

Free Eligibility Check — tell us about your business and we’ll introduce you to the right partners.

Cashflow Loan FAQs

How quickly can funds reach my account?

Times vary by product and lender. Some providers can release funds within 24–72 hours after approval and all required documents are provided; others take longer. Your matched lender will give a realistic timeframe upfront.

Will an enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Submitting an enquiry with Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks only if you choose to proceed with an offer.

What loan amounts are available?

Our partners typically arrange facilities from around £10,000 up to several million, depending on the product and business profile.

Do you charge business owners to be introduced?

No. Our service is free for business owners. We are paid by our lender or broker partners if a facility completes.

Can I apply after a previous decline?

Yes. Different lenders use different underwriting criteria. We often find alternatives for businesses declined by one provider.

What if I’m unsure which option is right?

Complete a quick enquiry and we’ll match you with partners who can explain pros and cons for your situation. We do not provide regulated advice — consider independent advice if required.

Compliance & responsible financing notice

Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects UK limited companies with lenders and brokers. We do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. Any finance offers are provided by third parties who will carry out their own checks and assessments. Always review costs, terms and affordability before proceeding and seek independent advice if you are unsure.